13 Amazing Ancient Cities You Can Visit and Photograph

Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about history and civilizations from the past. While there are many historic cities and locations worldwide, some allow visitors to get a vivid glimpse into the past by walking through ancient streets and villages.

The ancient cities featured in this article offer a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning visuals, perfect for travel photography. Let’s explore these 13 incredible ancient cities, which you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

1. Ephesus

Located in modern-day Turkey, Ephesus was once a thriving city of the ancient Greek and later Roman Empires. Known for its impressive architecture and pivotal role in early Christianity, this city housed the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, visitors can wander through remarkably well-preserved ruins, including the magnificent Library of Celsus and the Great Theater.

2. Pompeii

Pompeii’s tragic history has turned it into one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the ancient Roman city offers a haunting snapshot of ancient life frozen in time. Located near Naples, Italy, Pompeii’s ruins include well-preserved homes, public baths, and even an amphitheater.

3. Machu Picchu

High in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is an iconic symbol of the Inca civilization. This 15th-century city is known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and panoramic views, which are perfect for photography. Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photographers flock to Machu Picchu for its dramatic landscapes and mysterious ruins. The best vantage points are often found along the hiking trails, such as the Inca Trail or the Sun Gate.

4. Petra

Known as the “Rose City” due to the color of its rock-cut architecture, Petra in Jordan is an archaeological wonder. Established as early as 312 BC, it was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. The city is famous for its elaborate tombs and temples carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, with the most iconic being Al-Khazneh (The Treasury).

Petra’s striking visuals make it a paradise for photographers. The narrow gorge leading to The Treasury, known as the Siq, is particularly photogenic, with its winding passageways and towering rock walls.

5. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world. Built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it transformed into a Buddhist temple by the end of the century. The site is known for its extensive bas-reliefs and massive stone faces.

Photographers visiting Angkor Wat will find plenty of captivating subjects, from the intricate carvings on temple walls to the serene reflection pools. The temple complex is best photographed at sunrise when the silhouette of Angkor Wat against the morning sky creates an incredible scene.

6. Jerash

Jerash, located in modern-day Jordan, is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities outside Italy. This city flourished during the Roman Empire and is celebrated for its grand colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and plazas.

Key photographic highlights include the Oval Plaza, the South Theater, and the Temple of Artemis. In the spring, wildflowers bloom among the ruins, adding a splash of color to your photos.

7. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was a major city of the Maya civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to impressive architecture, including El Castillo (The Temple of Kukulcan), the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors.

Arriving early in the morning can help you capture the ruins without the crowds, as this is a very popular tourist destination.

8. Tulum

Tulum, also in Mexico, offers a unique blend of ancient history and stunning coastal scenery. This Mayan walled city sits on a beautiful cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, making it one of the most picturesque archaeological sites in the world.

9. Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde in Colorado (USA) is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Founded in the 6th century AD, the site includes over 600 cliff dwellings, with Cliff Palace being the most famous. It offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of the Pueblo people who lived there for over 700 years.

10. Apamea

Apamea, located in modern-day Syria, is an ancient city that offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Originally founded by the Seleucid Empire, it became an important cultural and commercial center during the Roman period. Its long colonnaded street, nearly two kilometers, is one of the most iconic features.

11. Carthage

Once a powerful Phoenician city, Carthage in modern-day Tunisia played a significant role in ancient Mediterranean history. It was rivaled by Rome until its eventual destruction. Today, the ruins of Carthage are spread over a large area, with notable sites including the Antonine Baths and Byrsa Hill.

12. Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna in Libya is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Founded by the Phoenicians, it flourished under Roman rule and became a major trading hub. The ruins include a well-preserved amphitheater, basilica, and the impressive Arch of Septimius Severus.

13. Palmyra

Palmyra in Syria was once a bustling trade center. Known as the “Bride of the Desert,” it reached its peak in the 3rd century AD under the rule of Queen Zenobia. The city’s ruins include the Grand Colonnade, the Temple of Bel, and the theater.

Unfortunately, Palmyra was significantly damaged by ISIS in 2015. Although many significant structures were partially or completely destroyed, Palmyra still offers an impressive collection of ruins worth visiting.

Final Thoughts

Exploring and photographing ancient cities is a unique way to connect with the past and capture the beauty of human history. Each of these 13 ancient cities offers a distinct window into ancient civilizations, providing endless opportunities for stunning photography. Ready to start your adventure? Book a guided tour or plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the timeless stories of these extraordinary locations.